L.I. Greenbelt Trail Conference

P.O. Box 5636

Hauppauge, NY 11788

Phone 631-360-0753       Fax 631-360-8127  
E-mail ligreenbelt@juno.com

August 2008 Hikes

To find the Greenbelt Office in Blydenburgh Park: from Route 25-25A in Smithtown, go south on Brooksite Dr.; at next light (New Mill Rd.), turn right and travel to the end of the road, making the last possible left.  At the end of Mill Road travel past a Blydenburgh County Park sign, through open metal cyclone gates.  Pass a sign indicating that the park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  Continue past a sign indicating “Parking Area” with arrow and “Authorized Vehicles Only Beyond This Point”.  Don’t follow the arrow.  Pass by a wooden half-gate with the sign “Authorized Vehicles Only”.  Turn left up the long winding (very dark at night) driveway marked with a sign saying “Blydenburgh Weld House, Visitor Reception Center, Museum Shop, L.I. Greenbelt Trail”.  From Route 347, find Brooksite Dr. between the 347-454 junction and Rt. 111; head north on Brooksite to New Mill Rd.; go left onto Mill Road. Follow the paved path at the west end of the lot to the Blydenburgh-Weld House.

IMPORTANT:

The first line of each listing includes TIME, DISTANCE, PACE, and TERRAIN, in that
order. "Info" means no reservation is necessary; call only if you need more information. "CALL" means you must call the leader to reserve a space on the hike.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK: 

Certain risks are inherent in any hike or other L.I. Greenbelt Trail Conference, Inc. (the “Greenbelt”) activity. Each Greenbelt member, guest, or non-member participant agrees to accept personal responsibility for his or her safety and the safety of minors accompanying such persons. The Greenbelt cannot ensure the safety of any participant on hikes or activities. In participating in Greenbelt activities, each such person agrees to hold harmless and free from blame the activity leaders and the Greenbelt, its officers, directors, and members, for any accident, injury, or illness which might be sustained from participating in hikes or other Greenbelt activities.

NOTE: Some Greenbelt hikes are intended for our members only. Other organizations or media outlets wishing to list our events should NOT use this publication for information; instead, please call our Office, 631-360-0753, and request our Media List.

Saturdays – BLYDENBURGH HOUSE AND HISTORIC TOUR EVERY SATURDAY:
1:00 PM – 1 hour - easy – flat – Info: Office, 631-360-0753.

Learn the history of the 1821 Blydenburgh-Weld House and the nearby mill complex, and enjoy the paths along beautiful Stump Pond; tours run every Saturday; meet at the Greenbelt Office (directions at top of schedule).  

Fri. Aug. 1 – TRAILS CENTER SPECIAL:
9:00 AM – 4 miles – easy to moderate – flat – Info: Vinny, 631-209-0030.
Start the weekend early with a walk from the Trails Information Center in Manorville (1/4 mile north of L.I.E. Exit 70) to Wading River-Manor Rd. and back; bring water; rain cancels.

Sat. Aug. 2 –PINE BARRENS DISCOVERY SERIES:
11:00 AM – Info: Office, 631-360-0753, or Trails Center, 631-852-3449.
Reptile Program: The animal-rescue group STAR Foundation presents a fascinating look at live critters, along with a “special surprise guest”; meet at the Trails Information Center, 1/4 mile north of L.I.E. Exit 70. 

Sun. Aug. 3 – No Guided Hike Today

Thurs. Aug. 7 – NORTH END HIKE:
9:00 AM – 4.3 miles – fast – hilly – Info: Anneliese, 631-425-1445.
Get a weekday morning workout with a brisk hike on the very hilly north end of the Nassau-Suffolk Trail;  not for beginners; bring water; heavy rain cancels; meet at Cold Spring Harbor State Park lot   next to library on NY 25A, northeast of jct. NY 25A/108.

Sat. Aug. 9 – PINE BARRENS DISCOVERY SERIES:
11:00 AM – Info: Office, 631-360-0753, or Trails Center, 631-852-3449.
Doodlebug Presentation: This program explores the habitat, behavior, and life cycle of the doodlebug (ant lion), a fascinating insect.  We will discuss “doodling” trails, pit-digging, trapping of prey, and its metamorphosis into an adult.  We hope to give insight into behavioral details not apparent to the casual observer. We will finish with a short hike to locate the doodlebug in its natural environment; total time including walk about 1 hour; presented by Brian O'Keeffe; meet at the Trails Information Center, 1/4 mile north of L.I.E. Exit 70.

Sun. Aug. 10 – No Guided Hike Today

Sat. Aug. 16 Sat. Aug. 16 – DEMOCRAT POINT SUNSET AND MOONRISE:
6:15 PM – 5 or 9 miles – easy – beach walk – Info: Quyen (Quinn) 631-234-5486, AM of hike only.
Hike along the ocean to Democrat Point and observe changes on western end of Robert Moses State Park, then return along the bay side; optional moonlight hike to the Fire Island Lighthouse with magnificent view of the ocean; bring water, snacks; rain cancels; meet at south west corner of Field 2; no parking fee after 6 PM; joint hike with NHOC. E: qwpham@yahoo.com.

Sat. Aug. 16 – MOON WALK:
8:00 PM – 4 miles – moderate – flat – Info: Bill, 631-514-9487.
Bring a flashlight for a walk in the Pine Barrens under a full moon; meet at the Trails Information Center, 1/4 mile north of L.I.E. Exit 70; rain may cancel.

Sun. Aug. 17 – SUMMER STROLL IN MASSAPEQUA PRESERVE:
1:00 PM – 3 miles – easy – flat – Info: Rich or Lisa, 516-826-8339.
Join the Friends of Massapequa Preserve on a leisurely hike through the pine forests, streams wetlands and ponds of this enchanting 423-acre preserve; children 10 or older welcome; rain or snow cancels; meet at kiosk on corner of Ocean Ave. and Merrick Rd., Massapequa, four blocks east of NY 107.

Sat. Aug. 23 – PINE BARRENS DISCOVERY SERIES:
11:00 AM – Info: Office, 631-360-0753, or Trails Center, 631-852-3449.
GPS Presentation: Greenbelt Board Member David Reisfield will show you how to use a global positioning system on the trail; meet at the Trails Information Center, 1/4 mile north of L.I.E. Exit 70.

Sun. Aug. 24 – No Guided Hike Today

Fri. Aug. 29 – TRAILS CENTER SPECIAL:
9:00 AM – 4 miles – easy to moderate – flat – Info: Vinny, 631-209-0030.
Start the weekend early with a walk from the Trails Information Center in Manorville (1/4 mile north of L.I.E. Exit 70) to Wading River-Manor Rd. and back; bring water; rain cancels.

Sat. Aug. 30 – LAKELAND POKE-AROUND:
9:00 AM – 3 miles – easy – flat - Info: Tom or Sherri, 631-567-9484.
Take an easy walk in Lakeland County Park and the north section of Connetquot St. Pk. Preserve, seeing the headwaters of the Connetquot River and diverse woods; a good beginner’s walk; rain cancels; meet at Lakeland County Park (L.I.E. Exit 58, south on Old Nichols Rd. to Johnson Ave., left to park; or L.I.E. Exit 59, south on Ocean Ave. to Johnson, right to park). E: 2caseys@optonline.net.

Sun. Aug. 31 – SUNKEN MEADOW HI-LO:
4:00 PM – 3.5 miles – easy to moderate – some hills – Info: Tom or Sherri, 631-567-9484.
Take a late-afternoon walk from the north end of the L.I. Trail to Nissequogue River St. Pk. HQ, then return along the shoreline; bring water; rain cancels; meet at east end of Field 3 (farthest from entrance), Sunken Meadow St. Pk.; parking fee, or free with Empire Passport. E: 2caseys@optonline.net.
 

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